Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)
I started my BSF class in August 2007 after attending an intro class and waiting for another five months. Before I enrolled in the class, a buddy of mine often spoke zealously about how she enjoyed her study. Each time I heard that, I felt like I have missed out a lot with what seemed like an endless wait for a place in the class.
The lessons had already progressed to Romans 12 when I attended my first class. Enthusiastically, I read the notes, did my homework diligently and participated actively in the discussion. At the end of each class, we made it a point to jot down prayer requests from our group members, known as ASK i.e. Ask, Seek & Knock, so that we could pray for everyone.
Time really flies. Before two months were up, I was told that the lessons for the year were coming to an end and the new class would start only in February next year. I was a bit disappointed. “I’ve just started and you mean it’s going to end so soon?” that was the first thought that came to my mind. Even within this short span of time, I’ve learnt useful applications in life like submission to authorities and accepting differences without passing judgement on others.
The grand finale happened just 2 nights ago. This is a time for all the students to come together to give glory and praise to God. Each person was given the opportunity to share their personal thoughts and experiences. Many plucked up the courage to share in front of the audience, especially those who have completed the 7-year course since this would be their last chance to do so. Some came prepared with their notes while others were prompted by the Holy Spirit to share spontaneously. Some shared their joy, some shared their sorrow but all of them praised the Lord.
My deepest impression came from two testimonies. One lady spoke about how she lost both her voice and hearing for no apparent reason a few years ago. She was left with no option but to quit her teaching post and to seek some treatment for her condition. The Lord was gracious to her and opened another door for her. She went on to take up a counseling course and over time, she regained her voice and hearing. She is now a counselor by profession.
The second sharing came from another lady who was looking forward to a transformed life after listening to the leader’s teachings at beginning of the year. When she didn’t find any change in her life after a few lessons, she began to doubt if her life is going to be transformed with this study of the book on Romans. Then something happened in the middle of the year. Her mother lapsed into a coma and conflicts among her siblings emerged in the face of this family crisis. It was during this time that she began to appreciate the lessons she learnt from BSF and was able to apply them in her life.
After listening to the testimonies from the various people that night, it reaffirmed my faith in God. It is often during these trying times that our faith is tested. All His goodness and attributes (faithfulness, grace, mercy, healing power etc) became so real to me just like an anthem which I learnt recently:
God has been faithful to lead us to this place;
God has been faithful, sustained us by His grace.
Will we take the challenge and make a sacred vow?
God has been faithful, will we be faithful too?
God has been faithful to lead us from above;
God has been faithful in His unfailing love.
God has been faithful, will we respond and dedicate our all?
Will we be faithful to Him now?
I am already looking forward to start the study of Matthew next year.
The lessons had already progressed to Romans 12 when I attended my first class. Enthusiastically, I read the notes, did my homework diligently and participated actively in the discussion. At the end of each class, we made it a point to jot down prayer requests from our group members, known as ASK i.e. Ask, Seek & Knock, so that we could pray for everyone.
Time really flies. Before two months were up, I was told that the lessons for the year were coming to an end and the new class would start only in February next year. I was a bit disappointed. “I’ve just started and you mean it’s going to end so soon?” that was the first thought that came to my mind. Even within this short span of time, I’ve learnt useful applications in life like submission to authorities and accepting differences without passing judgement on others.
The grand finale happened just 2 nights ago. This is a time for all the students to come together to give glory and praise to God. Each person was given the opportunity to share their personal thoughts and experiences. Many plucked up the courage to share in front of the audience, especially those who have completed the 7-year course since this would be their last chance to do so. Some came prepared with their notes while others were prompted by the Holy Spirit to share spontaneously. Some shared their joy, some shared their sorrow but all of them praised the Lord.
My deepest impression came from two testimonies. One lady spoke about how she lost both her voice and hearing for no apparent reason a few years ago. She was left with no option but to quit her teaching post and to seek some treatment for her condition. The Lord was gracious to her and opened another door for her. She went on to take up a counseling course and over time, she regained her voice and hearing. She is now a counselor by profession.
The second sharing came from another lady who was looking forward to a transformed life after listening to the leader’s teachings at beginning of the year. When she didn’t find any change in her life after a few lessons, she began to doubt if her life is going to be transformed with this study of the book on Romans. Then something happened in the middle of the year. Her mother lapsed into a coma and conflicts among her siblings emerged in the face of this family crisis. It was during this time that she began to appreciate the lessons she learnt from BSF and was able to apply them in her life.
After listening to the testimonies from the various people that night, it reaffirmed my faith in God. It is often during these trying times that our faith is tested. All His goodness and attributes (faithfulness, grace, mercy, healing power etc) became so real to me just like an anthem which I learnt recently:
God has been faithful to lead us to this place;
God has been faithful, sustained us by His grace.
Will we take the challenge and make a sacred vow?
God has been faithful, will we be faithful too?
God has been faithful to lead us from above;
God has been faithful in His unfailing love.
God has been faithful, will we respond and dedicate our all?
Will we be faithful to Him now?
I am already looking forward to start the study of Matthew next year.
*
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:12
posted by Nathalie @ 11:18 PM
1 Comments:
Good thoughts Nian! :)
Your hunger for God's word is really beautiful. By the way, I want to encourage you to write more about your spiritual thoughts and revelations. I think - who knows - God might use this gift in time to come. You could share with other believers or new believers the journey that you went through.
Just a thought.
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